Pressure-actuated circuit control



l. E. M CABE Oct. 29, 1929.

PRESSURE ACTUATED CIRCUIT CONTROL Filed Sept. 1, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet Get. 29, 1929. MccABE PRESSURE ACTUATED CIRCUIT CONTROL Filed Sept 1, 1922v 2 SheetsSheet 2 atko'cmq Patented Oct. 29,1929

PATENT OFFICE IRA E. menu, or cnicaeo, ILLINOIS PRESSUBE-ACTUATED CIRCUIT CONTROL Application filed September 1, 1922. Serial No. 585,698.

This invention comprises a circuit controlling device. It is contemplated to pro.

vide a device for opening and closing a single or multiple circuit arrangement which will lend'itself to a large variety of uses; which can be. actuated from any form 'of prime moving device such as pressure actuated tubes of the Bourdon type, bellows, diaphragms, floats, thermostats, fusible metal or any of the like devices, which can be set for automatic operation to open or close a single circuit, or multiple circuits, to open one and close another, or several concomitantly, the variety and arrangement thereof being limited only by the size of the means provided for operating the circuits; which will be positive in its operation,-that is, the device is constructed to positively actuate the circuit closing instrumentalities at predetermined points corresponding to predetermined degrees of pressure or the like and when the action is started or the desired point reached, there will be a quick and positive throw of the circuit closing means from one position to another and a positive looking at the limit of its throw in either direction; wherein there may be a manual actuation of the circuit closing device no matter what position the circuit closing devices may be in under 36 the influence of the automatic actuating means; wherein many adjustments are provided between the operating connections and the circuit closing mechanism; and in a word wherein a device having few mechanical parts easily assembled and dismounted, can

e compactly set within a casing in such a way as to be free from dust, moisture, or tampering, and which will operate without sparking or combustion in any atmosphere.

Other objects and advantages will in part 1 be apparent, and in part, be brought out more fully in the description which follows. In the accompanying drawings there is set forth an embodiment of the invention showing its general principles in a simple form connection with a pressure actuating device or bprime mover in the form of a Bourdon tu e;

Fig. 2, is a fragmentary detail view of a portion of .the device which automatically throws the circuit controlling mechanisms from one position to another, and shows this mechanism locked in one of its positions;

Fig. 3, is a similar view showing the parts locked in the limit of their movement in the opposite direction;

Fig. 4, is a view in vertical section'on line 44 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 5, is a fragmentary view in end elevation, of the parts shown in Fig. 3, andviewed from the left hand side of this figure;

' Fig. 6, is a similar view seen from the right;

Figs. 7 and 8, are fragmentary detail views of a slightly modified form of automatic circuit control actuating mechanism and showing two positions thereof;

Fig. 9, is a similar view showing a slightly modified form of connecting the circuit control mechanism to a prime mover; Fig. 10, is a fragmentary detail view showing a means for adjusting the entire movement with relation to the casing within which it is housed; and

Fig. 11, is a view in end elevation of the parts shown in Fig. 10. r

In these views 1 designates a casing of the gauge type, having a threaded connection for association With a source of pressure and in communicationwith a pressure responsive device 2, here shown as a Bourdon tube. This or any suitable actuating means, is utilized as a prime mover to actuate the circuit closing devices.

The circuit controlling device comprises a back plate 3, and front plate 4 spaced apart therefrom by suitable posts 5. Upon and between these plates there is mounted the movement which operates the circuit closing and opening instrumentality. The back plate 3 is secured to the casing by means of screws 6', the heads of which engage a portion of the casing and the shanks of which work in slots 7 provided in the casing. An eccentric 8 passing plished.

Carried by a pivot member 10 which has bearings in the top and back plates, there is a lever 11. It is slotted as at 12 to provide an adjustment for the point of attachment thereto of a link 13, for instanceas shown in Fig. 1. This link is secured at one end to the Bourdon or other actuating mechanism, and at its other end hasa slotted connection with slot 12 in lever 11, through a bolt or the like14. This permitsshifting the point of pull on lever 11 and consequently the sweep of its free end. Between the pivot member 10 andthe free end of lever-11, there are [spaced apart bars 15, pivotally .secured to lever 11', at pivot point orfulcr'um'10,-the lever extending between them. At the other end of these bars, there is mounted betweenthem'a roller 16 which tracks on angular or sloping, con verging surfaces 17 and 18 of a circuit control carrier bar 19. This bar is mounted on a pivot bearing 20, intermediate the ends of the bar, the pivot having hearings in the topl and back plates. The roller is normally eld in engagement with the sloping surfaces of the'bar y a spring 21 secured at one end to one of the posts 5 and at itsother endto a hook 22 pivotally disposed between bars 15 intermediate their ends. It will beseen that spaced apart bars 15 and the roller 16 constitute a lever of the second class, the fulcrum of which is shiftable by movement of lever 11. Whenit moves beyond the apex of the triangle or point formed on bar 19 by the sloping surfaces 17 and 18 of the bar, it causes swinging of the bar 19 on its pivot, the movement being limited by stops 23, placed to engage one of the posts 5 as best'seen Figs. 2 and 3.

Upon bar 19 there is mounted a circuit controller carrying clamp or member 24. It is shown .in Fig. 1, as carrying a single closed tube 25 having therein the terminals 26 of two circuits, disposed at opposite ends of the tube, and closed or opened depending upon the position of a drop of mercury or the like 27 An inert gas fills the tube and prevents sparking, while terminals 26 are sealed therein. Vires 28 carry current frombinding posts 29 suitably mounted on the casing, to terminals 26. By changing the position of terminals 26 wi thin the tube and the number of tubes carried by the clamp 24, a large variety of circuit closing arrangements may be effected. It will be seen from a view of Figs. 1 to 3 that when the tube is tilted to. the position shown in 1, that the circuit at the left of the figure will be closed and the other opened.

When the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 3, the operation is just the reverse and is accomplished by link 13 pul-ling on the lower; 1

part of lever 11 shifts pivot point or fulcrum 10' of spaced bars 15, causing roller 16 to ride down the sloping portion 17 of carrier bar 19.- When the roller has passed the apex or point where these sloping surfaces meet, itwill force or tilt the bar 19 to'the position shown in Fig. 3. There is a double action effected here as the spring causes a quick motion-of the roller down the slopes in either direction and this is utilized to quickly swing the bar to the limit of its movement until either of the stops'23 engage post 5, the roller holding it securely in that position until shifting of fulcrum 10 again causes tilting of the bar 19.

In addition to this automatic actuation ofthe circuitcontrolling devices there is provided a hand actuation which may be operated at any position of the automatic me us. As here shown this includes a hand set 0 passing from outside the casing and carrying on its inner end a swinging stub'or lever 31.

sloping surface 17 until it has passed the pointor apex, when the parts will assume the position shown in Fig. 3. Here the swinging lever 31 is shown in the opposite position and movement in a counter clockwise direction will produce the opposite result.-

Thishand setting provides a switch which can be operated without danger of sparking in atmospheres where inflammable gases are prevalent and also permits quick and positive actuation of the circuit control at any and all points of its automatic movement.

vA slightly modified form of construction is shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Here the carrier bar 19 carries an extension 33 which is connected by a link 34 to a circuit control carrier 35, the latter being pivotally mounted for swinging movement on a pivot bar 36. The provision of the link connection .with a swinging carrier for the circuit closing device permits a larger and quicker swing or tilt of'the carrier and consequently of the circuit closing tube which may be mounted thereon.

In Fig 9, there is shown a form of connecting the circuit closing mechanism with a pressure actuated device of any description but especially where there is little movement of the prime mover, but a fair amount of power. In this instance instead of link 13 being attached directly to the Bourdon or other actuating means, it is attached to one end of a bar 37, the ot'ar end of .which is secured pivotally to one of the plates of the movement. Intermediate this bar there are provided holes 38 or a slot, shown in dotted lines to constitute'means for adjusting the degree of force and the manner of application from a link 39 which is adapted to be secured to the prime mover. 1

The device constitutes a simple and practical means for accomplishing the objects set forth and while it has been described in connection with the embodiment herein illustrated; it will be understood that various changes in the structure and arrangement of the parts are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

What I claim is:

1. A circuit controller comprising a liquid contact circuit opening and closing device; means for movably supporting it including a .ca-rrier; mechanism operatively associated 4 with the circuit opening and closing device including a spring actuated arm having sliding engagement therewith for quickly moving it from one position to another and holding the carrier at the limits of its movement; and including an instrumentality permitting a partial movement ofthe moving mechanism in both directions without actuating the circuit controlling device.

2. A circuit controller comprising a liquid contact circuit opening and closing device;

means for movably supporting it including a carrier member; mechamsm operatlvely associated with the circuit opening and closing device including a spring actuated arm having sliding engagement therewith for quick- 1y moving it from one position to another and holding the carrier at the limits of its movement; and including an instrumentality permitting a partial movement of the moving mechanism in either direction without actuating the circuit controlling device; and stops on the carrier member, and a fixedmember coacting therewith for limiting movements of the circuit opening and closing device.

3. A circuit controller comprising a liquid contact circuit closing and opening device;

means for movably supporting it, including a carrier member; mechanism for moving the supporting member, including a spring actu ate arm having sliding engagement therewith and an actuating member movable with relation to the supporting member for a predetermined distance in either direction without efiecting actuation of the carrier, and further operable to positively move the carrier and holding the carrier at the limits of its movement including stops on the carrier and a fixed member coacting'with said stops.

- a. A circuit controller comprising a liquid contact circuit closing and opening instrumentality; means for movably supporting it,

including a carrier-member having stops and sloping surfaces; a fixed member adapted to be engaged by a stop, an actuating member having a portion adapted to engage and slide over one sloping surface of the carrier for a predetermined distance and engage one stop with the fixed member; mechanism for moving the carrier after the actuating member has traveled a predetermined distance, said mechanism including a spring member operatively associated with the actuating member while it is sliding upon the sloping surface of the carrier member to build up a spring tension; and means upon the carrier including the other sloping surface for quickly applying this spring tension to the carrier to move it from one position to another disengaging the said stop and engage the other stop.

5. A pressure actuated. circuit controller comprising a liquid contact circuit closing and opening instrumentality; means for movably supporting itincluding acarrier anac uating member operatively associated with t e supporting means; mechanism permitting a predetermined movement of the actuating memsupporting means including a spring actuber in both directions without moving the ated arm having sliding engagement with said supporting means; means for positively moving the carrier and holding the carrier at the limits of its movement operatively associated with the supporting means and actuating member; a pressure responsive instru'mentality; and mechanism; connecting the pressure responsive instrumentality with the actuating member.

6. A pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a liquid contact circuit closing and opening instrumentality; means for movably supporting it including a carrier; an actuating member operatively associated with the supporting means; mechanism permittmg a predetermined movement of the ably supporting it includlng'a carrier; an

actuating member operatively associated with the supporting means; mechanism permitting a predetermined movement of the actuating rier and holding. t

member without moving the supporting means; means for positively moving the care carrier at the limits of its movement operatively associated with the supporting means, and actuating member; a pressure responsive instrumentality; mechanism connecting the pressure responsive instrumentality with the actuating member; a casing within which the supporting means and actuating member are mounted; and mechanism for moving certain of these elements bodily with relation to the pressure responsive instrumentality whereby the point of actuation of the carrier may be varied.

8. A pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a liquid contact circuit closing and opening instrumentality; means for movably supporting it including a carrier; an actuating member operatively associated with the supporting means, mechanism permitting a predetermined movement of the actuating member without moving the supporting means including a spring actuated arm-having sliding engagement with said supporting means; means for positively moving the carrier operatively associated with the support-- ing means and. actuating member; a pressure responsive lnstrumentality; associated mechanism connecting the pressure respon sive instrumentality with the actuating member; and mechanism for-positively moving the supporting means independently of the pressure responsive instrumentality.

9. A circuit controlling device comprising a circuit closing and opening instrumentality; a movable carrier to which the circuit closing and opening instrumentality is adapted to be secured, a lever operably' associated with the movable carrier and adaptedto hold the car- 'rier ina 'redetermined' sition; means for shifting t e position of t e lever, said means including a second lever connected with the first lever; means forconnectingthe second lever with a prime mover, manual means for actuating the carrier, said means including a swinging levermember; and a member on one of the levers in the path of travel of the swinging member and actuable thereby to move the carrier to the limits of its movement in either direction.

10. A circuit controller comprising a mercury tube switch, meansfor movably supporting the tube including a carrier member having a plurality ofstops and sloping surfaces,

means coacting withv said stops to limit the movement of theca'rrier, an actuating member having a vportion adapted to engage and slide over a sloping surface of the carrier for a predetermined distance holding one carrier stop at the limit of its movement, and mechanigim for moving the carrier after the actuating member has traveled a predetermined distance by engaging another sloping surface and holding another carrier stop at the limit of its movement.

' 11. A circuit controller comprising a mercury tube switch, means for movably supporting the tube including a carrier member having sloping surfaces, an actuating member having a portion adapted to engage and slide over the carrier for a predetermined distance, mechanism for moving the carrier after the actuating member has, traveled a predetermined distance by engaging another sloping surface, and mechanism for limiting the movement of the carrier operatively associated therewith including a plurality of stops upon the carrier.

12. A circuit controller comprising a mercury tube switch, means for normally supporting the tube including a carrier member having a plurality of stops and sloping surfaces, means-coacting with the stops to limit the movements of the carrier, an actuating member having a portion adapted to engage and slide over asloping surface of the carrier for a predetermined distance coacting with v a stop to maintain the carrier at the limit of its movement in one dlrection, mechanism for engaging another sloping surface and holding another carrier stop at the limit of its movement in the opposite direction, said mechanism including a spring member operatively associated with the actuating member.

13. A circuit controller comprising a mer-' cury tube switch, means for movably supportingthe tube including a carrier member having a plurality of'stops and sloping surfaces, means coacting with the stops to limit the movements of the carrier, an actuating member having a portion adapted to engage and slide over a sloping surface of the carrier for a predetermined distancecoacting with a stop to hold the carrier at one limit of its movement, mechanism for moving the carrier after the actuating member has traveled a predetermined distance by engagin another sloping surface coacting with anot er stop to hold the carrier at the other limit of its movement, said mechanism including a spring member operatively associated with the actuating member whilesliding upon the sloping surface of the carrier member to build up a spring tension, and mechanism for quiclrly applying this spring tension to the stops to limit the rotation of the carrying member, a spring holding the actuating member in engagement with the carrier, whereby movement of the expansible and contractable member in one direction causes the operating and actuating member carried thereon to engage one sloping surface to tilt the mercury tube in one direction to engage one stop and movement of the expansible and contractable member in the opposite direction causes the operating member and actuating member carried thereon to engage the other sloping surface and tilt the mercury tube in the opposite direction to engage the other stop.

15. The combination of a liquid contact circuit controlling device having the contacts therefor enclosed in a sealed tube, a carrier therefor including a plate mounted for oscillatory movement provided with a member having two stops and two angular surfaces extending therefrom, means coacting with said stops to limit the oscillation of the carrier plate, a spring actuated member adapted to alternately engage said angular surfaces to oscillate the plate to alternately engage and disengage said stops, and means to operate said spring actuated member to travel over said surfaces.

16. In combination, a pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a pressure responsive means, a tilting mercury tube switch, a carrier therefor, means to maintain the switch in either open or closed position, and a quick throw mechanism acting in response to predetermined changes in pressure to tilt the switch from one predetermined position to the other, together with hand operated means for restoring the switch to its first position.

17. In combination, a pressure actuated circuit controller comprising a pressure responsive means, one or more liquid contact switches, a tiltable carrier therefor, means to maintain the switches in open or closed position, and a throw over mechanism acting in response to predetermined changes in pressure to tilt the switches from one position to the other, hand'operated means to restore the switches to the first position, and means for adjusting the pressures at which said switches are operated to make or break the circuits controlled thereby.

In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

IRA E. MoCABE. 

